Christianity and World Religions Midterm

Describe each of the meanings of the word li.

("Propriety") -Right--> principle of harmony among gods, society, humans -Rite---> choreography steps of social life

What is jen?

("fellow feeling") Names the ideal relationship that should pertain between two people, Human-heartedness, Virtue of virtues

What is a chun tzu for Confucianism?

("gentleman") the mature person fit to lead, humanity at its best, approaches people saying, "What can I do to accommodate them?"

Name and describe the 4 Stages of Life in Hinduism.

1- Student  Traditionally stage began after rite of initiation, between ages of eight and twelve and lasted for twelve years  Prime responsibility: to learn 2- Householder  Began with marriage  Three fronts: family, vocation, community to which one belongs  Time for satisfying three human wants: pleasure, success, duty 3- retirement  Time to begin true adult education 4- state of sannyasin  Goal finally reached  One who neither hates nor loves anything

Articulate Ricci's thought concerning the goodness and salvific elements, as well what he perceives to be obstacles or evil elements, in each of these Chinese traditions.

1. 2. 3.

Name the main Chinese traditions mentioned by Ricci, and list the key features of each.

1. Literati: monism, have no idols, no afterlife, goal-->to reorder kingdom 2. Sciequia: transmigration of soul, very sacrificial, multiple universes/ universe goes on forever 3. Lauzu:

Based on lecture, match each of the Chinese traditions mentioned with the religions we are studying in this course, and give textual evidence to back up your matching.

1. Literati= Confucianism 2. Sciequia= Buddhism 3. Lauzu= Taoism

Why are pleasure and wealth, respectively, not ultimately fulfilling, according to Hinduism?

1. Pleasure is too trivial, the self is too small an object for perpetual enthusiasm, people want more 2. wealth can be lost, the drive for success can be isatiable, too small for perpetual enthusiasm, it's achievements do not survive bodily death

Name each of the "geological layers" of Hinduism and mention the type of devotion/worship exhibited with each.

1. Vedic --> fire sacrific 2. Philosophical--> meditation 3. Devotional--> Puja- offering/liturgy

What is an avatar?

An avatar is an incarnation of Vishnu

What Four Passing Sights did Gautama see, thus helping him to realize the radical insufficiency of this world?

An old man, a body racked with disease, a corpse, and a sanyassin

What is another name for Vajrayana Buddhism. Who is its leader?

Another name is Tibetan Buddhism. It's leader is the Dalai Lama

What are Atman and Brahman, and how are they related?

Atman refers to the hidden self- a reservoir of being that never dies, exhausts, and isn't restricted. Brahman means Godhead. Atman=Brahman.

In 2-3 sentences, describe bhakti yoga such as you would to a Westerner who has not taken our class?

Bhakti yoga is the way through devotion or love. The aim is to direct toward God the love that lies at the base of every heart. In this yoga, a person will choose god(s) to worship.

Name the three members of the Hindu "trinity" along with the function each plays in the world.

Brahma/Mahaderi --> creator Vishnu --> sustainer Shira--> destroyer

Describe what happens during Tonglen meditation and what its goal is.

Breathe in evil, let out love. lt's goal is to reduce selfish attachment, increase a sense of renunciation, create positive karma by giving and helping, and develop and expand loving-kindness and bodhicitta

Compare or contrast the Buddha's position on the afterlife with Confucius' position on the same issue.

Buddha believes we know about the afterlife- that reincarnation is a fact. Confucius believes that we don't know, and that it's best that one just focus on this life.

What is Ramakrishna's view of Christ in relation to God and other great religious figures?

Christ embodies God, just as God speaks through Muhammad, and Vishnu. God can be sought and found in any religion.

Offer at least 3 comparisons or contrasts between the story of Buddha's birth and the Gospel account of Christ's birth.

Christ's birth: conception without sex, vision before conception, natural birth Buddha's birth: conception without sex, dream before conception, he came out of his mother's side without causing her pain or injury

How is Christian prayer defined, according to the CDF? From what does Christian prayer free us?

Christian prayer is a personal, infinite, and profound dialogue between God and man. Christian prayer frees us from ourselves (from impersonal techniques or from concentrating on oneself)

Into which of Chesterton's four categories (God, gods, demons, philosophers) do you think Confucianism fits? Is it a religion? Back up your answer in 2-3 sentences based on lecture material.

Confucius would fit into the category of philosophy.

Contrast Confucius' position concerning the existence of an afterlife from the Christian view.

Confucius' position is that there may or may not be an afterlife, but it doesn't matter anyways because we should be focusing on this life right now. The Christian view of an afterlife is that there is one and we should not store up treasures in this world and focus on this world, but keep in mind what is coming.

According to Bodhidharma's definition, how does one attain knowledge of Zen?

Direct pointing at the mind, seeing into one's own nature.

Name Buddha's Four Noble Truths and match each with the medical terms used to describe them, e.g. symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, prescription.

Dukkha (suffering)--> symptoms tanha (desire for private fulfillment)--> diagnosis curable (it can be overcome)--> prognosis eightfold path--> prescription

Describe Ramakrishna's view of other religions.

He believed that while all religions are different, they all lead to the same ultimate goal. Hence, they are all true.

On pp.29-30, Krishna describes the "illumined" person. What are some of this person's characteristics?

He is not fearful, angry, desirous, shaken by hardships. He is in control and illumined.

What does Buddha mean by claiming that "it is proper ...to doubt, to be uncertain"? Compare and contrast this view with that of Christianity's view towards religious certitude.

He means that people should see for themselves and not put faith in traditions or teachers. This differs from Christianity's view that faith can and should be put into our traditions and the Magisterium.

In a couple sentences briefly contrast the Hindu and Buddhist view of the divine nature (a.k.a. the Godhead or Ultimate Reality). Be sure to use the Sanskrit terms in your explanation

Hinduism believes that God is in everything and everything is in God. Buddhism does not believe in a personal Creator-God, however, they do believe in a Godhead- nirvana, which isn't a personal God, but is the permanent, stable, imperishable, immovable, unborn, deathless real Truth and supreme Reality, the Good and supreme goal.

In a couple sentences, contrast the Hindu and Buddhist view of the soul/human person using the original Sanskrit terms as part of your answer.

Hinduism believes there is a soul (Atman) and that the human person is composed of body, personality, and Atman-Brahman. Buddhism does not believe the human self has a soul (anatta). He denied this existence of a spiritual substance that retains its separate identity forever.

Describe what Hindus mean by maya. How is it meaning different from that which is conveyed in most translations of the term?

Hindus mean that there is something tricky about the world. Maya usually translated as "illusion." Hindus differ from this view as they believe that maya does have a qualified, provisional reality. The issue with maya is that it is tricky because it comes off as independently real, when it fact it isn't.

What do you think is the point of the koan "The Dog"?

I think the point is that the question was unimportant.

Contrast the way creation takes place in the Purusha account vs. the Indra account

In the Purusha account, creation occurred as a result of a cosmic sacrifice. The dripping fat from the sacrifice was gathered and used to form stuff. Different body parts of Purusha made different things. In the Indra account, at the beginning there was unillumined water, then desire descended, and we really don't know a lot of details.

How does Hindu retirement differ from our Western culture's typical conception of this stage of life?

In the Western culture people typically see retirement as the end where after working all your life you can take a break until you die. Hinduism differs from this because when you retire in Hinduism, it is not an end, but a beginning where you begin your true adult education.

In the Katha Upanishad, what is the most important question Nachiketas wants answered by the god of Death? How does Death respond?

Is there life after death? What are the secrets of death? Death responds that there are two paths: the path of joy and the path of pleasure. The wise choose the path of joy, while the path of pleasure does not reach the End. Only the wise can see what lies beyond life. The childish and ignorant move from death to death.

Buddhism at times seems agnostic, or even atheistic. What text under the section "Nibbana (Nirvana)" seems to indicate that there perhaps may be a God after all?

It Is Real: There is an Unborn, Unoriginated, Uncreated, Unformed. Without it, the born, the originated, the created, the formed would be impossible.

What is samadhi? Explain in terms of the sleep image from class.

It is a foretaste of moksha. It is like a dreamless sleep.

What is the meaning and significance of "OM"?

It is the sound of the real. It is the sound of Brahman. It is the whole universe. The man of contemplation by means of OM reaches freedom. It is the Atman in his pure state: the awakened life of supreme consciousness.

What does nirvana refer to in Buddhism? What does it mean etymologically?

It refers to life's goal: when the boundaries of the finite self die. Etymologically, nirvana means "to extinguish."

What does the document say we might learn from Eastern Christian mysticism in the context of this discussion? What does the document identify as an example Eastern Christian form of meditation?

It says we might learn how one's bodily posture can aid prayer. An example is the "Jesus Prayer"

How is Christianity viewed from the perspective of bhakti yoga? In other words, who is Jesus for a Hindu? Use the original Sansrkit term—not an English translation of it.

Jesus is viewed as an avatar

Explain why the paths of jnana yoga and bhakti yoga seem incompatible. What does this tell us about the nature of the religion we call "Hinduism"?

Jnana yoga and bhakti yoga seem incompatible because Jnana yoga wants to set aside false identities, while bhakti yoga, in being about devotion, does not. This tells us that Hinduism doesn't really believe in one true way to reach the divine.

In 2-3 sentences, describe jnana yoga such as you would to a Westerner who has not taken our class?

Jnana yoga is the way through knowledge. This has nothing to do with factual information, but instead it has to do with an intuitive discernment that turns the knower into that which she knows. There are three steps: learning, thinking, shifting one's self-identification from "self" to "Self"

In 2-3 sentences, describe karma yoga such as you would to a Westerner who has not taken our class.

Karma Yoga is the way to God through work. In this yoga a person's everyday life is an offering to God. This person is completely at the disposal of others.

What do people really want, i.e. what is the ultimate goal in life for Hinduism?

Liberation

Which question "announces the birth of religion"?

Might not becoming a part of a larger, more significant whole relieve life of its triviality? Meaning beyond self-centeredness

In 2-3 sentences, describe what raja yoga is.

Raja yoga is the way to God through psychophysical exercises. In this yoga, the hypothesis is that "self" is a layered entity. These layers are body, consciousness, subconscious, and finally the atman. The person doing raja yoga uses 8 steps to try to uncover the deepest layer.

One thing seems out of place in the parable's list of things which are taken for granted regardless of what one believes about metaphysical questions concerning the soul, creation, and the afterlife. What is this one thing Buddha takes to be a matter of fact which in reality is not so obvious from an empirical perspective?

Reincarnation

Explain how Hinduism's distinction between Saguna Brahman and Nirguna Brahman is comparable to the Native American understanding of the Great Spirit.

Saguna Brahman= God with attributes, Nirguna Brahman= God that you can't name Grandfather: God you can't know Father: God you can know

What three attributes are conveyed by the word saccidananda?

Sat, Chit, Ananda, meaning Existence, Consciousness of Existence, and Love of Existence, or simply Being-Consciousness-Bliss.

What is Sikhism? What does it share in common with Hinduism and Islam, respectively?

Sikhism was created when its founder, Guru Nanak, had a revelation from God and thus broke off from Hinduism. It agrees with Hinduism on a supreme and formless God beyond human conceiving and reincarnation. It agrees with Islam by rejecting avatars, caste distinctions, images as aids to worship, and the sanctity of the Vedas.

When considering the Christian doctrine of divinization, what does the document say it is necessary in the first place to bear in mind?

That man is essentially a creature, and remains such for eternity, so that an absorbing of the human self into the divine self is never possible, not even in the highest states of grace

What is the point of Buddhism's description of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination? How does it all begin, and to what does it ultimately lead?

That our bodies do not belong to us or others. It begins with karma and ultimately leads to aging, suffering, and death.

What does the document teach concerning Eastern religious "psychological-corporeal methods"? Describe the document's teaching concerning whether and under what conditions they may be useful.

That they can be helpful as long as they are reformulated in accordance with the aim of Christian prayer.

Who was the Buddha, and in what century did he live? What does "Buddha" mean?

The Buddha's name was Siddharta Gautama and he started Buddhism. He lived in the 5th century BC. "Buddha" means "Awakened One"

Provide the Sanskrit term used by Buddhists which we translate as "reincarnation." Then use the analogy from class to articulate how they explain reincarnation happens despite the fact that humans have no soul.

The Sanskrit term used by Buddhists is samsara. Their idea of reincarnation is like a flame being passed from candle to candle. Connection is causal, the will remains free throughout this. Analogy: 1) desires and dislikes of my mind have not appeared by accident- definite lineages: culture 2) i am not bound my my personal history- i can have new ideas and changes of heart 3) neither continuity nor freedom of these points requires that thoughts or feelings be considered entities

The three principal "scriptural" sources of Hinduism we read from in Novak's book are the ________, the ___________, and the _______ _____.

The Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita

What caution does the document issue with regard to those prayer methods which produce feelings of quiet or relaxation?

The caution is that one shouldn't assume these feelings as authentic consolations of the Holy Spirit. Doing this could lead to psychic disturbance and moral deviations.

In the Bhagavad Gita, the god Krishna speaks to the saintly warrior Arjuna and tells him, "There never was a time when I did not exist, nor you...Nor is there a time in the future in which we shall cease to be." In light of today's readings, contrast Hinduism's view that the individual soul "has always been and never will cease to be" with Christianity's understanding of the soul.

The difference is that while Hinduism's view is that the soul has always been, the Christian view is that our souls were created.

Articulate Hinduism's explanation for the seeming contradiction of God forgetting who he is. Be sure to use both original Sanskrit terms as part of your answer.

The explanation is that God is lila: God's play. God is playing hide and seek for fun.

Describe the purpose of the funeral rites, according to the philosophy of the Literati.

The funeral rites were instituted for the living.

What do you think the author of the text "Of What Use Is Meditation?" intends by speaking of Nirvana and Samsara in the way he does?

The heart of the spiritual life is in the service of others. There is such a thing as an unhealthy clinging to meditation.

What is the key thing to stop in order to stop the cycle of Dependent Origination?

The key is to stop ignorance.

Briefly summarize and describe the main point of Buddha's Parable of the Arrow.

The main point is that is best to avoid speculative questions and focus on what is practical

Explain the meaning of the Upanishadic story "Thou Art That" (be sure to illustrate with the example of salt and water).

The meaning is that just like you can't see salt that is dissolved in water, but you can taste it, so it is that the Spirit cannot be seen, but it is actually there. We are the Spirit.

What is the point of the koan entitled Knowing the Buddha?

The point is emptiness. When one really knows Buddha, they realize that he isn't.

What is the point of the story Carrying a Girl?

The point is that one shouldn't get so distracted and upset about little things like that. It is even worse than carrying a woman across a river. Don't keep carrying the woman in your mind.

What Chinese view does Ricci critique harshly on the last page of the reading? Briefly summarize his argument.

The view that all the laws or religions can and should be believed. He argues that doing so is not beneficial for the public, because by honoring all of the laws, they find themselves without any law because they do not sincerely follow any of them. Therefore they fall deeply into atheism.

Describe several ways in which Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism differ from one another.

Theravada: views Buddha as a saint, ideal=Arhart, wisdom, meditation, no ritual, self-effort, for monks Mahayana: Buddha=savior, ideal=boddhisattva, compassion, intercessory prayer, rituals, salvation, for laity

What is Tibetan Buddhism attempting to teach in the account "With Impurity the Wise Make Themselves Pure?" Is this compatible with Christianity? If no, explain why not.

They are trying to teach that by indulging in impurity, one will become pure. This is not compatible with Christianity because Christians believe that the more one indulges in sin, the farther away they will fall away from God, and the harder it will be to be pure.

What is distinctive about Zen Buddhism? Describe what is meant by a koan. Then give an example or two.

They believe that words distort reality. Koan=puzzle, examples: The Dog, Wash Your Bowls

What is distinctive about the beliefs of the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism?

They call on the name of Amitabha Buddha who they view as the savior god of infinite light.

What role do Kali and Shiva play for the Hindu, that is to say what do they destroy?

They destroy the finite in order to make way for the infinite.

What is meant by Buddha's "noble silence"?

To quiet our minds so that we can be more sensitive and perceptive. He meant that philosophical questions do not lead to true knowledge. When he was asked questions like these, he sometimes just stayed silent.

How does Hinduism regard objects people pursue along the path of desire?

Toys that are good for children to play with, but it is sad when an adult does not outgrow them in pursuit of more significant interests.

What is rta, and which Vedic god is considered its guardian?

Varuna is considered the guardian of Rta which is the cosmic order.

What does the word yoga mean? To which English word is it related?

Yoga: method of training designed to lead to integration or union with the God who lies deep inside us. It is related to the English word

Why is Buddha called a "shit-stick"?

because words distort reality

Mahayana Buddhism tends to view Christ as a ___________. Use the original Sanrskit term—not an English translation of it

boddhisattva

Describe the law of karma.

moral law of cause and effect- each act that is directed upon the world has its equal and opposite reaction on one-self

Name and describe each of the goals of life in Hinduism.

o Pleasure (Path of desire) o Worldly success: wealth, fame, power (path of desire) o Responsible discharge of duty (path of renunciation) o Liberation (path of renunciation)

Name each of the steps of Buddhism's Eightfold Path. What is the "preliminary step" which is not officially listed among the eight?

o Right views o Right intent o Right speech o Right conduct o Right livelihood o Right effort o Right mindfulness o Right concentration Preliminary step: Right association

Name the four Stations of Life (castes) in Hinduism.

o Seers/Brahmins (Intellectual and spiritual leaders) o Administrators/Kshatriyas (Have genius for orchestrating people and projects) o Producers/vaishyas (Artisans and farmers, create material things that are needed) o Followers/shudras (Servants, unskilled laborers) o Outcastes or untouchables

What is samsara?

rebirth or reincarnation (entered via karma)

What is moksha?

release from samsara and liberation from karma together with the attainment of Nirvana, freedom from the endless cycle of transmigration into a state of bliss

What was the main problem Confucius faced? Describe the two opposing responses of Realism and Mohism. What was Confucius' response?

social anarachy. Realism's solution to this was to be extremely forceful and to have laws with teeth. Mohism, at the other extreme, advocated universal love as the solution. Confucius' answer was to inculcate deliberate tradition. He believed that governing the people through ritual was the answer. It was practical, unlike Mohism, yet not too harsh, like Realism.

What does the doctrine of anatta mean?

the human self has no soul

Describe how Buddha rejects each of the six features typically associated with religions such as Hinduism.

 Authority (Became hereditary and exploitive)  Ritual (Became mechanical means for obtaining miraculous results)  Speculation (Lost experiential base)  Tradition (Turned into a dead weight)  Grace (Grace being misread in ways that undercut human responsibility) (Buddha believes one is saved by self effort alone)  Mystery (Perverse obsession with miracles, the occult, and the fantastic) Buddha rejects all of the six features.